Expertise in the history of modern architecture and construction is developed through thematic approaches mainly, through close collaborations with researchers and in larger research projects, some of which are detailed below. The object of study is, in principle, the history of the built environment in the period 1890-1980, considering buildings and ideas on building as products of various modes of production and design, moving explicitly beyond (but not neglecting) a designer-centred approach. The main focus is on the period 1940-1980, with special attention for the Belgian production and building culture. Archival research is at the basis of most projects.

Several themes are being developed, among which:

(1) ideals of collaboration between actors of building: architects, engineers and building contractors mainly;

(2) the impact of new tools and materials on buildings and concepts, including tools for communication with partners and with building bureaucracy. Specific topics in this theme deal with the promotion of materials like asbestos cement (Eternit) or products in glued wood (De Coene) and architecture for cars;